THE PRAYER HINGE
Matthew 7:7-14
We read about “ask,” “seek,” “knock,” and the definite results. It sounds beautiful, easy, thus far. But there are always conditions. We all want results. And he wants us to have the results. That is why he tells us so plainly how to live so that our prayers will get and find and open. The prayer hinges on the life. The life hinges on obedience. Obedience hinges on a set purpose and his grace.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Think about these questions as you meditate on the verse. What does this verse teach me? How does this verse apply to my Life?
OUR OBEDIENCE HELPS GOD
Psalms 145:8-19
It is a sweet thing to read about how close God is. But when you know him personally, and are conscious of his presence, so that he is the most real of all realities, then the heart understands this psalm of praise. It is the obedient life that knows. Obeying him opens his hand; obedience to him results in our desires being fulfilled. Obey, and you’ll never be disappointed in him, and you’ll be singing psalms, and talking of his power.
THINGS HAPPEN
Luke 11:1-13
When we know Jesus we are perfectly confident that he hears us. He is so eager to have us come, with our hearts pure and our prayers insistent against the opposition of the evil one. And Jesus has never yet failed anyone who has asked out of an obedient life and an insistence against the power of the evil one. When we forgive even as we desire forgiveness, and expect because of Jesus’ blood, things happen.
DISBELIEF DOESN’T ALTER FACTS
Matthew 7:24-27
Truth is not affected by whether one believes it or not. God tells us in his Word what is right. He tells us the consequences of obedience and also of disobedience. The decision always lies in one’s own power of choice. Most of us hear; fewer of us seem to do the thing we know. Why is it? Is it because the evil one opposes anyone who hears God’s Word? Let’s strive to do all we know.
TASTE AND SEE
Psalms 119:97-105
God’s Word tells the power there is in it for whoever will. And whoever will let it change the life, and meet the need of the life, will love it. A thing is dear to us in proportion to our appreciation of its worth. He who knows the power of God’s Word in the personal life when the way is difficult, loves it. We don’t know whether a thing is sweet till we taste it, nor whether it is lovable till we test it.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Think about these questions as you meditate on the verse. What does this verse teach me? How does this verse apply to my Life?
